Movable Pulley Systems, Methods and Devices for Exercise Machines

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine may comprise a frame and a weight stack. The weight stack may be positioned within a portion of the frame. The exercise machine may further comprise a weighted cable having a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the weight stack, a guide track defining a path, and a movable pulley assembly slidably coupled to the guide track. A positioning mechanism may be coupled to the movable pulley assembly and configured to move and position the movable pulley assembly along the path defined by the guide track. Additionally, the weighted cable may be routed through the movable pulley assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application 61/720,840 filed on Oct. 31, 2012.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to weighted cable exercise equipment including a movable pulley assembly and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Exercise equipment including a sliding pulley is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,015, assigned to the assignee of the present application. The exercise equipment includes a frame housing a weight stack and a sliding assembly coupled to the frame and weight stack. In some embodiments, the sliding assembly includes a guide column, a sliding element disposed on the guide column, a pulley attached to the sliding element, a first mount disposed at one end of the guide column, a second mount coupled to the sliding element, and a first cable disposed in the pulley. The first cable has a first end attached to one end of the guide column, and intermediate portion disposed in the pulley, and a second end terminating in a handle. A second cable may have a first end attached to the sliding element or the first mount and a second end attached to the weight stack.

Improved exercise devices and methods utilizing movable pulleys would be desirable. For example, exercise devices comprising improved guides and positioning devices would be desirable.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise machine may comprise a frame and a weight stack.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the weight stack may be positioned within a portion of the frame.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a weighted cable having a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the weight stack.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a guide track defining a path.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a movable pulley assembly slidably coupled to the guide track.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a positioning mechanism coupled to the movable pulley assembly and configured to move and position the movable pulley assembly along the path defined by the guide track.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the weighted cable may be routed through the movable pulley assembly.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the guide track may define an arcuate path.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the positioning mechanism may comprise a motor attached to the movable pulley assembly.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the guide track may comprise a toothed rack and the motor may be coupled to a gear having teeth intermeshed with teeth of the toothed rack.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the positioning mechanism may comprise a belt coupled to the movable pulley assembly and coupled to a motor.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the positioning mechanism may comprise a cable coupled to the movable pulley assembly and coupled to a motor.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a handle coupled to a second end of the weighted cable.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a sensor, the sensor positioned and configured to detect at least one of the vertical position of the handle and the angle of the handle relative to the frame.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the sensor may be coupled to the handle.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the sensor may comprise at least one camera directed toward the handle.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the sensor may comprise a color video camera, an infrared projector, and a monochrome complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor sensor.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a sensor, the sensor positioned and configured to detect the angle of the weighted cable to the frame.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the sensor may comprise an arm extending from and pivotable relative to the movable pulley assembly.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the weighted cable may be routed through at least a portion of the movable arm.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise machine may comprise a frame and a toothed guide track defining a path.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a movable pulley assembly comprising a gear having teeth intermeshed with the teeth of the toothed guide track.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a weight stack positioned within a portion of the frame.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a weighted cable having a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the weight stack and a second end coupled to the movable pulley assembly.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a second cable having a first end attached to the movable pulley assembly.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the second cable may be positioned and configured to apply a torque to the gear of the movable pulley assembly in response to an applied tensile force.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise machine may comprise a frame and at least one bearing block fixed relative to the frame.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a guide track defining a path.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the guide track may be slidably coupled to the at least one bearing block.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a movable pulley assembly coupled to and fixed relative to the guide track.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a positioning mechanism configured to move and position the movable pulley assembly and the guide track along the path defined by the guide track.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a weight stack positioned within a portion of the frame.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a weighted cable having a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the weight stack and a second end coupled to at least one of the movable pulley assembly and the guide track.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the positioning mechanism may comprise a second cable routed through the movable pulley assembly.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the second cable may have a first end fixed relative to the frame.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the second cable may be configured to move the movable pulley assembly and the guide track when a tensile force is applied at a second end of the second cable.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing an exercise machine may comprise positioning a weight stack within a portion of a frame.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the method may comprise coupling a guide track defining a path to the frame.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the method may comprise slidably coupling a movable pulley assembly to the guide track.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the method may comprise coupling a positioning mechanism configured to move and position the movable pulley assembly along the path defined by the guide track to the movable pulley assembly.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the method may comprise installing a weighted cable having a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the weight stack.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the method may comprise routing the weighted cable through the movable pulley assembly.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the method may comprise attaching a motor to the movable pulley assembly.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the method may comprise intermeshing teeth of the guide track with teeth of a toothed gear of the movable pulley assembly.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, the method may comprise coupling a belt to the movable pulley assembly and coupling the belt to a motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present methods and systems and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present systems and methods and do not limit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise device comprising a curved guide track and a positioning device similar to a winch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a sensor comprising a camera, which may be utilized with an exercise machine such as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a sensor comprising an extending arm, which may be utilized with an exercise machine such as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exercise device comprising a guide track including channels, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side detail view of a portion of an exercise device comprising a guide track including a toothed rack, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side detail view of a portion of an exercise device comprising a guide track including a toothed rack and a positioning device including a motor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are side detail views of a portion of an exercise device comprising a movable pulley assembly fixed to a movable guide track, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side detail view of a portion of an exercise device comprising a positioning device including a motor and belt, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side detail view of a portion of an exercise device comprising a positioning device including a motor and screw, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, an exercise machine may 10 comprise a frame 12, a weight stack 14, at least one cable 16, 18, and a movable pulley assembly 20. The weight stack 14 may comprise a plurality of stacked weight plates 22 positioned within a portion of the frame 12, each weight plate 22 configured to provide a specified weight force (e.g., each weight plate 22 may weigh about ten pounds (about 4.5 kilograms)).

A weight selecting device 24 may be configured to be positioned through or along the stacked weight plates 22 of the weight stack 14 to facilitate the selection of a number of stacked weight plates 22 to be coupled to a weighted cable 16, and thus to facilitate the amount of weight to be applied to the weighted cable 16.

A weight selector rod 26 may be sized for insertion through vertical apertures of the stacked weight plates 22. The weight selector rod 26 may include a plurality of apertures, each aperture of the plurality of apertures corresponding to a weight plate 22 of the weight stack 14. A weight selector pin 28 may be inserted into a horizontal aperture 30 of a selected weight plate 22 and a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures of the selector rod 26 at a position corresponding to a desired number of weight plates 22, and thus a desired weight, to be attached to the weighted cable 16.

The weighted cable 16 may include a first end coupled to the weight selecting device (e.g., the weight selector pin 28), and a second end coupled to a handle 32. The weighted cable 16 may be routed through one or more stationary pulleys 34, and through the moveable pulley assembly 20.

The stationary pulleys 34 may comprise a wheel rotatable about an axle that is stationary (i.e., fixed) relative to the frame 12. The stationary pulleys 34 may be positioned to direct and position the weighted cable 16 about the exercise device 10 and facilitate a full range of motion of the components of the exercise device 10.

The moveable pulley assembly 20 may be positioned on a guide track 36, which constrains the movement of the movable pulley assembly 20 along a fixed path. In some embodiments, the guide track 36 may have an arcuate (e.g., curved) shape. For example, the guide track 36 may be an arcuate shaft.

The moveable pulley assembly 20 may comprise a bearing system 38 configured to facilitate the movement of the movable pulley assembly 20 along the fixed path defined by the guide track 36 with relatively little friction. For example, the moveable pulley assembly 20 may comprise rollers positioned adjacent to the arcuate shaft. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the movable pulley assembly 20, the movable pulley assembly 20 may travel along the guide track 36 with relatively little friction. In further embodiments, the bearing system 38 may comprise plain bearings, or another type of bearing known in the art, rather than, or in addition to, rollers.

The movable pulley assembly 20 may be attached to a positioning device 40 configured to position the movable pulley assembly 20 along the guide track 36. In one embodiment, the moveable pulley assembly 20 may be coupled to a motor 42 and pulley 44 by a cable 18. In some embodiments, the motor 42 may be fixed relative to the frame 12 and a shaft of the motor may be mechanically coupled to the pulley 44, as shown in FIG. 1. In further embodiments, the motor 42 may be coupled to the movable pulley assembly 20 (see FIG. 6).

The motor 42 may retract the cable 18 (i.e., reduce the effective length of the cable 18) by rotating the pulley 44 in a first direction and may release the cable 18 (i.e., increase the effective length of the cable 18) by rotating the pulley 44 in a second direction, similar to a winch. When the cable 18 is retracted by the motor 42, the movable pulley assembly 20 may move in a first direction along the guide track 36 (e.g., the pulley may move upward along the arcuate path). Likewise, when the cable 18 is released by the motor 42, the movable pulley assembly 20 may move in a second direction along the guide track 36 (e.g., the movable pulley assembly 20 may move downward along the arcuate path).

The exercise device 10 may also include a position sensor to facilitate the determination of the relative position of the handle. In some embodiments, the position sensor may facilitate the determination of the position (e.g., relative vertical position) and/or angle of the handle relative to the frame of the exercise device. In further embodiments, the position sensor may facilitate the determination of the position (e.g., relative vertical position) and/or angle of the handle relative to the movable pulley assembly of the exercise device.

The position sensor may comprise a sensor 46 coupled to the handle 32. In some embodiments, the sensor 46 coupled to the handle 32 may comprise a level sensor, which may facilitate the determination of the angle of the handle 32. In additional embodiments, the sensor 46 coupled to the handle 32 may cooperate with a sensor coupled to the movable pulley assembly to facilitate the determination of the position of the handle 32 relative to the movable pulley assembly 20.

In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, a position sensor may be separate from the handle. For example, the position sensor may comprise a camera directed toward the handle 32 of the exercise device 10. In some embodiments, the sensor may comprise a video camera 50 (e.g., a color VGA video camera), and a depth sensor 52. The depth sensor may comprise an infrared projector 54 and a monochrome complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor 56. For example, a KINECT® sensor 58, available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., may be utilized as the position sensor.

The position sensor may be in communication with a computer 60 and the computer 60 may be in communication with the positioning device 40. Accordingly, data from the positioning sensor may be communicated to the computer 60, which may analyze the data and determine the position of the handle 32 relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. The computer 60 may then send instructions to the positioning device 40. In response to the instructions sent from the computer 60, the positioning device 40 may move the movable pulley assembly 20 along the path defined by the guide track 36.

In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, a position sensor 80 may comprise an arm 82 extending from the movable pulley assembly 20. The arm 82 may pivot relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, and the weighted cable 16 may be routed through the movable arm 82. For example, the movable arm 82 may include a set of pulleys 84 and the weighted cable 16 may be routed between the pulleys 84 of the arm 82. Accordingly, as the handle 32 moves upward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, the weighted cable 16 may pull up on the arm 82 and cause the arm 82 to rotate upwards relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. As the handle 32 moves downward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, the weighted cable 16 may pull down on the arm 82 and cause the arm 82 to rotate downwards relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. The position sensor 80 may further comprise one or more electronic components to report the position of the arm 82 relative to the movable pulley assembly 20 to a computer 60.

For example, a first microswitch 88 may be positioned adjacent to an upper side of the arm 82. When the arm 82 moves upward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, the first microswitch 88 may be activated by the arm 82 and a signal may be sent to the computer 60 indicating that the handle 32 is positioned above the movable pulley assembly 20. Additionally, a second microswitch 90 may be positioned adjacent to a lower side of the arm 82, opposite the first microswitch 88. When the arm 82 moves downward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, the second microswitch 90 may be activated by the arm 82 and a signal may be sent to the computer 60 indicating that the handle 32 is positioned below the movable pulley assembly 20.

For another example, a shaft of a potentiometer 92 (e.g., a rheostat) may be coupled to the arm 82. When the arm 82 rotates up or down, the shaft of the potentiometer 92 may also rotate. Accordingly, the position of shaft of the potentiometer 92, may indicate to the computer 60 a relative position of the arm 82 relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. Thus a signal indicating the position of the handle 32 relative to the movable pulley assembly 20 may be sent to the computer 60.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, an exercise device 100 may comprise a guide track 110 that includes one or more channels 112. A movable pulley assembly 114 may comprise one or more wheels 116 positioned within each channel 112 of the guide track 110. The channels 112 may extend to an exterior of the guide track 110, as shown. In additional embodiments, channels of a guide track may not extend to the exterior of the guide track.

In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, an exercise device 200 may include a guide track 210 that comprises a toothed rack 212, and a positioning device 214 that comprises a corresponding toothed gear 216. A movable pulley assembly 220 may be coupled to the weighted cable 16, and a second cable 222 may be attached to a pulley 224, the pulley 224 being integral with, or coupled to, the gear 216. The second cable 222 may be routed around the pulley 224 and a handle 230 may be attached to a second end of the second cable 222. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the second cable 222 via the handle 230, the second cable 222 may apply a torque to the gear 216 via the pulley 224. The torque applied to the pulley 224 may cause the gear 216 to rotate, and thus to translate along the toothed rack 212.

In yet further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, an exercise device 300 may include a guide track 310 that comprises a toothed rack 312, and a positioning device 314 that comprises a corresponding toothed gear 316, similar to the exercise device 200 described in FIG. 5. The positioning device 314, however, may utilize a motor 318 coupled to the toothed gear 316, rather than a second cable.

The weighted cable 16 may be routed through the movable pulley assembly 320, around a pulley 324, and coupled to a handle 330. The pulley 324 may rotate freely relative to the toothed gear 316, allowing the weighted cable 16 to be moved through the movable pulley assembly 320 without rotating the toothed gear 316. The exercise device 300 may include a sensor, such as described with reference to FIGS. 1-3, which may detect the position of the handle 330 relative to the movable pulley assembly 320. Accordingly, when the handle 330 is moved (e.g., vertically) relative to the movable pulley assembly 320, the motor 318 may be actuated to rotate the toothed gear 316 and move the movable pulley assembly 320 along the guide track 310.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, an exercise device 400 may comprise a guide track 410 that is coupled and fixed to a movable pulley assembly 412. As shown, the guide track 410 may be configured to move with the movable pulley assembly 412 along a path defined by the guide track 412. For example, the guide track 410 may comprise a rod 414 extending through and slidably coupled to one or more bearing blocks 416, which may be fixed relative to the frame 12.

In some embodiments, the second end of the weighted cable 16 may be coupled to at least one of the guide track 410 and the movable pulley assembly 412. A second cable 420 may have a first end fixed relative to the frame 12 and a second end coupled to a handle 422. The second cable 420 may be routed through the movable pulley assembly 412, and may be utilized as a positioning device. Accordingly, the movable pulley assembly 412 and the rod 414 may move along a fixed path defined by the length and shape of the guide track 410 when a sufficient force is applied to the second cable 420 via the handle 422, as shown in FIG. 7B.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, an exercise device 500 may comprise a positioning device 510 including a belt 512, a motor 514, a drive pulley 516 and a stationary pulley 518. A shaft of the motor 514 may be coupled to the drive pulley 516 and the motor may be configured to selectively rotate the drive pulley 516. Each of the belt 512, the drive pulley 516 and the stationary pulley 518 may be toothed. Additional arrangements, however, such as one or more of a V-belt, a flat belt, a round belt, a polygroove belt, a ribbed belt, a chain, a rope, and a cable may be utilized in further embodiments.

A movable pulley assembly 520 may be coupled to and fixed relative to the belt. The weighted cable 16 may be directed through the movable pulley assembly 520 and a handle 522 may be attached to the second end of the weighted cable 16. Additionally, the movable pulley assembly 520 may be slidably coupled to a guide track 524. The exercise device 500 may also include a sensor, such as described with reference to FIGS. 1-3, which may detect the position of a handle 522 relative to the movable pulley assembly 520.

Accordingly, when the handle 522 is moved (e.g., vertically) relative to the movable pulley assembly 520, the motor 514 may be actuated to rotate the drive gear 516, which may in turn rotate the belt 512 and move the movable pulley assembly 520 along the guide track 524. Additionally, when the motor 514 is not moving, the belt 512 of the positioning device 510 may maintain the position of the movable pulley assembly 520 on the guide track 524.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, an exercise device 600 may comprise a positioning device 610 that includes a linear actuator. As shown, the linear actuator may comprise a motor 612, a screw 614, and a nut 616. The screw 614 may be positioned parallel to a guide track 618. In additional embodiments, however, the screw 614 may be utilized as a guide track. The motor 612 may be coupled to the screw 614 and the nut 616 may be coupled to a movable pulley assembly 620, which may be slidably coupled to the guide track 618.

The weighted cable 16 may be directed through the movable pulley assembly 620 and a handle 622 may be attached to the second end of the weighted cable 16. The exercise device 600 may additionally include a sensor, such as described with reference to FIGS. 1-3, which may detect the position of a handle 622 relative to the movable pulley assembly 620.

Accordingly, when the handle 622 is moved (e.g., vertically) relative to the movable pulley assembly 620, the motor 612 may be operated to turn the screw 614, and the screw 614 may rotate relative to the nut 616. Helical threads of the screw 614 interacting with mating helical threads of the nut 616 may cause the nut 616 to move along the screw 614. Accordingly, when the motor 612 is operated, the movable pulley assembly 620 may be moved along the path defined by the guide track 618.

In operation, referring again to FIG. 1, a user may select a desired weight load with the weight selecting device 24. For example, a user may insert the pin 28 into an aperture 30 in a weight plate 22, and a corresponding aperture in the selector pin 26. The user may then pull on the weighted cable 16 with a force greater than the weight selected and cause the selected weight plates 22 to be lifted by the weighted cable 16.

As the user pulls the weighted cable 16 through the movable pulley assembly 20, the handle 32 may begin to move, both vertically and horizontally, relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. The vertical movement of the handle 32 relative to the movable pulley assembly 20 may then be detected by the sensor 46.

The sensor 46 may send a signal to the computer 60 indicating the vertical position of the handle 32 relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. For example, the handle 32 may move downward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. When the handle 32 moves downward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, the sensor 46 may send a signal to the computer 60 indicating that the handle 32 is lower than the movable pulley assembly 20. The computer 60 may then send a signal to the positioning device 40 to move the movable pulley assembly 20 downward. The computer 60 may send the signal to the positioning device 40 to move the moveable pulley assembly 20 downward until the sensor 46 no longer detects that the handle 32 is positioned below the movable pulley assembly 20 and ceases to send the corresponding signal to the computer 60. Accordingly, as the handle 32 is moved downward by the user, the positioning device 40 may move the movable pulley assembly 20 downward as well.

When the handle 32 moves upward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, the sensor 46 may send a signal to the computer 60 indicating that the handle 32 is higher than the movable pulley assembly 20. The computer 60 may then send a signal to the positioning device 40 to move the movable pulley assembly 20 upward. The computer 60 may send the signal to the positioning device 40 to move the moveable pulley assembly 20 upward until the sensor 46 no longer detects that the handle 32 is positioned above the movable pulley assembly 20 and ceases to send the corresponding signal to the computer 60. Accordingly, as the handle 32 is moved upward by the user, the positioning device 40 may move the movable pulley assembly 20 upward as well.

For exercise devices 10, 300, 500, 600 wherein the positioning device 40, 314, 510, 610 includes a motor 42, 318, 514, 612, such as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 8 and 9, the computer 60 may send a signal to a switch (not shown) that may activate the motor 42, 318, 514, 612 to operate in a first direction when a signal is received from the computer 60 corresponding to moving the movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 downward. The computer 60 may send a signal to another switch (not shown) that may activate the motor 42, 318, 514, 612 to operate in a second direction when a signal is received from the computer 60 corresponding to moving the movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 upward.

By utilizing the sensor 46, 58, 80, the computer 60, and the positioning device 40, 314, 510, 610, as the handle 32, 330, 522, 622 of the weighted cable 16 is moved upward and downward relative to the frame 12, the movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 may also move upward and downward relative to the frame 12. As the movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 may be moved in a direction corresponding to a direction of movement of the handle 32, 330, 522, 622, the direction of force applied to the handle 32, 330, 522, 622 by the weighted cable 16 relative to the frame 12 may remain substantially the same throughout the workout. As the force applied by the user to lift the selected weight plates 22 will be directly opposite the force applied to the handle 32, 330, 522, 622 by the weight plates 22, the user will exert a force in a direction that is substantially constant throughout the workout.

In additional embodiments, the computer 60 may be programmed to position the movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 at specified speeds and directions according to specific exercises. Accordingly, a user may select an exercise to be performed and the movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 may be moved along the guide track by the to positioning device 40, 314, 510, 610 to facilitate the selected exercise during the workout.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Improved exercise devices and methods utilizing movable pulley assemblies would be desirable. For example, exercise devices comprising improved guides and positioning devices would be desirable.

In some embodiments, an exercise machine may comprise a frame, a weight stack, at least one cable, and a movable pulley assembly. The weight stack may comprise a plurality of stacked weight plates positioned within a portion of the frame, each weight plate configured to provide a specified weight force. In additional embodiments, weight may be applied by devices other than weight plates, such as one or more of elastic members, a motor, a users body weight, pneumatic resistance, and hydraulic resistance.

A weight selecting device may be configured to be positioned through or along the stacked weight plates of the weight stack to facilitate the selection of a number of stacked weight plates to be coupled to a weighted cable, and thus to facilitate the amount of weight to be applied to the weighted cable.

A weight selector rod may be sized for insertion through vertical apertures of the stacked weight plates. The weight selector rod may include a plurality of apertures, each aperture of the plurality of apertures corresponding to a weight plate of the weight stack. A weight selector pin may be inserted into a horizontal aperture of a selected weight plate and a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures of the selector rod at a position corresponding to a desired number of weight plates, and thus a desired weight, to be attached to the weighted cable.

The weighted cable may include a first end coupled to the weight selecting device (e.g., the weight selector pin), and a second end coupled to a handle. The weighted cable may be routed through one or more stationary pulleys, and through the moveable pulley assembly.

The moveable pulley assembly may be positioned on a guide track, which constrains the movement of the movable pulley assembly along a fixed path. In some embodiments, the guide track may have an arcuate (e.g., curved) shape. For example, the guide track may be an arcuate shaft. In additional embodiments, the guide track may define one or more of an arcuate path, a linear path, a vertical path, a horizontal path, a diagonal path, and a parabolic path.

The moveable pulley assembly may comprise a bearing system configured to facilitate the movement of the movable pulley assembly along the fixed path defined by the guide track with relatively little friction. For example, the moveable pulley assembly may comprise rollers positioned adjacent to the arcuate shaft. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the movable pulley assembly, the movable pulley assembly may travel along the guide track with relatively little friction. In further embodiments, the bearing system may comprise plain bearings, or another type of bearing known in the art, rather than, or in addition to, rollers.

The movable pulley assembly may be attached to a positioning device configured to position the movable pulley assembly along the guide track. In one embodiment, the moveable pulley assembly may be coupled to a motor and pulley by a cable. In some embodiments, the motor may be fixed relative to the frame and a shaft of the motor may be mechanically coupled to the pulley. In further embodiments, the motor may be coupled to the movable pulley assembly. The motor may be one or more of an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, and a pneumatic motor.

The motor and pulley may retract the cable (i.e., reduce the effective length of the cable) by rotating the pulley in a first direction and may release the cable (i.e., increase the effective length of the cable) by rotating the pulley in a second direction, similar to a winch. When the cable is retracted by the motor, the movable pulley assembly may move in a first direction along the guide track (e.g., the pulley may move upward along the arcuate path). Likewise, when the cable is released by the motor, the movable pulley assembly may move in a second direction along the guide track (e.g., the pulley may move downward along the arcuate path).

The exercise device may also include a position sensor to facilitate the determination of the relative position of the handle. In some embodiments, the position sensor may facilitate the determination of the position (e.g., relative vertical position) and/or angle of the handle relative to the frame of the exercise device. In further embodiments, the position sensor may facilitate the determination of the position (e.g., relative vertical position) and/or angle of the handle relative to the movable pulley assembly of the exercise device.

The position sensor may comprise a sensor coupled to the handle. In some embodiments, the sensor coupled to the handle may comprise a level sensor, which may facilitate the determination of the angle of the handle. In additional embodiments, the sensor coupled to the handle may cooperate with a sensor coupled to the movable pulley assembly to facilitate the determination of the position of the handle relative to the movable pulley assembly.

In further embodiments, the position sensor may be separate from the handle. For example, the position sensor may comprise a camera directed toward the handle of the exercise device. In some embodiments, the sensor may comprise a video camera (e.g., a color VGA video camera), and a depth sensor. The depth sensor may comprise an infrared projector and a monochrome complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. For example, a KINECT® sensor, available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., may be utilized for the position sensor.

The position sensor may be in communication with a computer and the computer may be in communication with the positioning device. Accordingly, data from the positioning sensor may be communicated to the computer, which may analyze the data and determine the position of the handle relative to the movable pulley assembly. The computer may then send instructions to the positioning device. In response to the instructions sent from the computer, the positioning device may move the movable pulley assembly along the path defined by the guide track.

In some embodiments, the computer may be on or within the frame of the exercise device. In further embodiments, the computer may be separate from the exercise device. The computer may communicate with the sensor and the positioning device via one or more of wires and a wireless network (e.g., via a radio signal, an infrared signal, an optical signal, etc.).

In further embodiments, the position sensor may comprise an arm extending from the movable pulley assembly. The arm may pivot relative to the movable pulley assembly, and the cable may be coupled to the movable arm. For example, the movable arm may include a set of pulleys and the cable may be routed between the pulleys of the arm. Accordingly, as the handle of the pulley moves upward relative to the movable pulley assembly, the cable may pull up on the arm and cause the arm to rotate upwards relative to the movable pulley assembly. As the handle of the pulley moves downward relative to the movable pulley assembly, the cable may pull down on the arm and cause the arm to rotate downwards relative to the movable pulley assembly. The position sensor may further comprise one or more electronic components to report the position of the arm to a computer.

For example, a first microswitch may be positioned adjacent to an upper side of the arm. When the arm moves upward relative to the movable pulley assembly, the first microswitch may be activated by the arm and a signal may be sent to the computer indicating that the handle is positioned above the movable pulley assembly. Additionally, a second microswitch may be positioned adjacent to a lower side of the arm, opposite the first microswitch. When the arm moves downward relative to the movable pulley assembly, the second microswitch may be activated by the arm and a signal may be sent to the computer indicating that the handle is positioned below the movable pulley assembly.

For another example, a potentiometer (e.g., a rheostat) may be coupled to the arm. When the arm rotates up or down, the potentiometer may also rotate. Accordingly, the position of the potentiometer may indicate to the computer a relative position of the arm relative to the movable pulley assembly. Thus the position of the handle relative to the movable pulley assembly may be reported to the computer.

In some embodiments, the guide track may comprise one or more channels. The movable pulley assembly may comprise one or more wheels positioned within each channel of the guide track. The channels may extend to an exterior of the guide track, as shown. In additional embodiments, the channels may not extend to the exterior of the guide track.

In some embodiments, a positioning device of an exercise machine may comprise a belt, a motor, a drive pulley and a stationary pulley. Each of the belt, the drive pulley and the stationary pulley may be toothed. Additional arrangements, however, such as one or more of a V-belt, a flat belt, a round belt, a polygroove belt, a ribbed belt, a chain, a rope, and a cable, may be utilized in further embodiments.

The motor may be coupled to the drive pulley and may selectively rotate the drive pulley. Accordingly, the rotating drive pulley may cause the belt to rotate about the drive pulley and the stationary pulley, thus causing the movable pulley assembly to move along the path defined by the guide track. Additionally, when the motor is not moving, the belt of the positioning device may maintain the position of the movable pulley assembly on the guide track.

In some embodiments, a positioning device of an exercise machine may comprise a linear actuator. The linear actuator may comprise a motor, a screw, and a nut. The screw may be positioned parallel to the guide track. In additional embodiments, the screw may be utilized as the guide track. The motor may be coupled to the screw and the nut may be coupled to the movable pulley assembly.

When the motor is operated to turn the screw, the screw may turn relative to the nut. The helical threads of the screw interacting with mating helical threads of the nut may cause the nut to move along the screw. Accordingly, when the motor is operated the movable pulley assembly may be moved along the path defined by the guide track.

In some embodiments, the guide track may comprise a toothed rack, and the positioning device may comprise a corresponding toothed gear. The movable pulley assembly may be coupled to the weighted cable, and a second cable may be attached to a pulley, the pulley being integral with or coupled to the gear. The second cable may be routed around the pulley and a handle may be attached to a second end of the second cable. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the handle, the cable may apply a torque to the gear via the pulley. The torque applied to the pulley may cause the gear to rotate and thus to translate along the toothed rack.

In some embodiments, the guide track may be coupled to the movable pulley assembly and may be configured to move with the movable pulley assembly along the path defined by the guide track. For example, the guide track may be a rod extending through one or more bearing blocks, which may be fixed relative to the frame. Accordingly, the rod, and thus the movable pulley assembly, may move along a fixed path defined by the length and shape of the rod.

In operation, a user may select a desired weight load with the weight selecting device. For example, a user may insert a pin into an aperture in a weight plate, and a corresponding aperture in the selector pin. The user may then pull on the weighted cable with a force greater than the weight selected and cause the selected weight plates to be lifted by the weighted cable.

As the user pulls the weighted cable through the movable pulley assembly, the handle may begin to move, both vertically and horizontally, relative to the movable pulley assembly. The vertical movement of the handle relative to the movable pulley assembly may then be detected by the sensor.

The sensor may send a signal to the computer indicating the vertical position of the handle relative to the movable pulley assembly. For example, the handle may move downward relative to the movable assembly. When the handle moves downward relative to the movable assembly, the sensor may send a signal to the computer indicating that the handle is lower than the movable pulley assembly. The computer may then send a signal to the positioning device to move the movable pulley assembly downward.

When the handle moves upward relative to the movable assembly, the sensor may send a signal to the computer indicating that the handle is higher than the movable pulley assembly. The computer may then send a signal to the positioning device to move the movable pulley assembly upward.

For devices wherein the positioning device includes a motor, the computer may send a signal to a switch that may activate the motor to operate in a first direction when a signal is received from the computer corresponding to moving the movable pulley assembly downward. The computer may send a signal to another switch that may activate the motor to operate in a second direction when a signal is received from the computer corresponding to moving the movable pulley assembly upward.

By utilizing the sensor, the computer, and the positioning device, as the handle of the weighted cable is moved upward and downward relative to the frame, the movable pulley assembly may also move upward and downward relative to the frame. As the movable pulley assembly may be moved in a direction corresponding to a direction of movement of the handle, the direction of force applied to the handle by the weighted cable relative to the frame may remain substantially the same throughout the workout. As the force applied by the user to lift the selected weight plates will be directly opposite the force applied to the handle by the weight plates, the user will exert a force in a direction that is substantially constant throughout the workout.

In additional embodiments, the computer may be programmed to position the movable pulley assembly at specified speeds and directions according to specific exercises. Accordingly, a user may select an exercise to be performed and the movable pulley assembly may be moved along the guide track by the to positioning device to facilitate the selected exercise during the workout. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; a weight stack positioned within a portion of the frame; a weighted cable having a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the weight stack; a guide track defining a path; a movable pulley assembly slidably coupled to the guide track; a positioning mechanism coupled to the movable pulley assembly and configured to move and position the movable pulley assembly along the path defined by the guide track; wherein the weighted cable is routed through the movable pulley assembly.
 2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the guide track defines an arcuate path.
 3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a motor attached to the movable pulley assembly.
 4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the guide track comprises a toothed rack and the motor is coupled to a gear having teeth intermeshed with teeth of the toothed rack.
 5. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a belt coupled to the movable pulley assembly and coupled to a motor.
 6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a cable coupled to the movable pulley assembly and coupled to a motor.
 7. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a handle coupled to a second end of the weighted cable.
 8. The exercise machine of claim 7, further comprising a sensor, the sensor positioned and configured to detect at least one of the vertical position of the handle and the angle of the handle relative to the frame.
 9. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the sensor is coupled to the handle.
 10. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the sensor comprises at least one camera directed toward the handle.
 11. The exercise machine of claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises a color video camera, an infrared projector, and a monochrome complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor sensor.
 12. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a sensor, the sensor positioned and configured to detect the angle of the weighted cable to the frame.
 13. The exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the sensor further comprises an arm extending from and pivotable relative to the movable pulley assembly, and wherein the weighted cable is routed through at least a portion of the movable arm.
 14. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; a toothed guide track defining a path; a movable pulley assembly comprising a gear having teeth intermeshed with the teeth of the toothed guide track; a weight stack positioned within a portion of the frame; a weighted cable having a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the weight stack and a second end coupled to the movable pulley assembly; a second cable having a first end attached to the movable pulley assembly, the second cable positioned and configured to apply a torque to the gear of the movable pulley assembly in response to an applied tensile force.
 15. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; at least one bearing block fixed relative to the frame; a guide track defining a path, the guide track slidably coupled to the at least one bearing block; a movable pulley assembly coupled to and fixed relative to the guide track; a positioning mechanism configured to move and position the movable pulley assembly and the guide track along the path defined by the guide track; a weight stack positioned within a portion of the frame; a weighted cable having a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the weight stack and a second end coupled to at least one of the movable pulley assembly and the guide track.
 16. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a second cable routed through the movable pulley assembly, the second cable having a first end fixed relative to the frame, the second cable configured to move the movable pulley assembly and the guide track when a tensile force is applied at a second end of the second cable.
 17. A method of manufacturing an exercise machine, the method comprising: positioning a weight stack within a portion of a frame; coupling a guide track defining a path to the frame; slidably coupling a movable pulley assembly to the guide track; coupling a positioning mechanism configured to move and position the movable pulley assembly along the path defined by the guide track to the movable pulley assembly; installing a weighted cable having a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the weight stack, and routing the weighted cable through the movable pulley assembly.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising attaching a motor to the movable pulley assembly.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein slidably coupling the movable pulley assembly to the guide track further comprises intermeshing teeth of the guide track with teeth of a toothed gear of the movable pulley assembly.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein coupling the positioning mechanism to the movable pulley assembly comprises coupling a belt to the movable pulley assembly and coupling the belt to a motor. 